(Waves) Hello fellow Navy Veteran… looks like I have another question for the VA….I use a few pneumatic tools when I breakdown pallet wood. My compressor is just a small ~3-gallon unit, but when it kicks in, it is loud. Usually not a problem for me as I wear Bluetooth WorkTunes Headphones and listen to radio programs or audiobooks while I work. My other strategy is to use a long air hose and move the compressor as far away as possible.
Tinnitus is no fun. Been there, done that, when I was in the Navy. Fortunately, I have no constant tinnitus to deal with. Any treatment possible for your condition? I hope so.
FYI … I was Anti-sub warfare & Aircrew/SAR Rescue swimmer on H-3’s and started to train on H-60’s before I got out in ‘92.
FYI #2 those “brushless” pancake air compressors are as loud or louder than a rock concert! Case in point, the red tank in my picture set the db meter to well above 97db at about 25’ linear distance while building the box.